Pick of the Week
The Substance Film
Coralie Fargeat's unflinching satire examines the oppressive nature of feminine aesthetics as well as the dreaded aspects of advancing years. The veteran actress offers an inspired acting turn as Elisabeth, a mature film star reduced to starring in an aerobics show on television. Edged out thanks to her slimy boss Harvey, played by Dennis Quaid, she undergoes an enigmatic and horrifying process titled "The Substance". This produces a new version of herself called Sue, culminating in a steadily more parasitic dynamic between the two. October 17th, Paramount+
This Mystery Thriller
This Agatha Christie-esque thriller stars the talented actress as Laura, an ace reporter who opts for a hiatus from reporting on world issues to embark on an opulent ship with a gravely sick Norwegian shipping heiress and charitable figure, her partner, plus additional extremely wealthy guests. Yet once an unknown lady goes overboard one night and the entire crew insists she wasn't real, the reporter's sleuthing skills kick in. Available now, the Netflix platform
Presence Film
Steven Soderbergh tests his directorial skills in this nifty paranormal narrative shot entirely through the eyes of the phantom. When a household including mother Rebekah and her distressed teen Chloe moves into their new suburban house, the filming device – representing the ghost – follows them around. The daughter appears conscious of the ghostly being, and the entity appears protective of her. Yet what is the reason? This is an entertaining concept that remains concise, with a twist that could catch you off guard. This Saturday, 4.35pm, 10.10pm, the Sky channel
The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent
Cage embraces his unique fame through this meta comedy caper. He plays a narcissistic celebrity called Nicolas Cage who takes on a million-dollar gig to attend a celebration in Mallorca for the wealthy Javi, played by Pedro Pascal. Contacted by the intelligence agency to investigate the alleged criminal, his “nouveau shamanic acting ability” is put to the test. Saturday 11 October, evening, on Channel 4
This Creepy Thriller
Scott Derrickson's contained scarefest holds up well despite the lack of a continuation. Taking place in 1978 Denver, several kidnappings has made the children frightened. When Finney is taken by the kidnapper and held captive in a dungeon, he fears a terrible outcome. Yet the old telephone on the wall keeps ringing, with ghostly voices offering help, while the prophetic visions of his sister Gwen might rescue him. An effective horror. October 11th, late evening, the Film4 channel
This Dramatic Portrait
In the struggle between God and Mammon, it's a knockout win for Mammon in Showalter's delightfully tacky biopic about the fallen religious broadcaster plus her lawbreaking partner. Andrew Garfield portrays the venal Jim, who proclaims initially, “God does not want us to be poor,”. The couple set about monetising the American public's spiritual convictions. It's a spectacle of bad interior design, overdone appearance and hypocrisy, though Jessica Chastain succeeds to depict the character as a sympathetic figure. Tuesday 14 October, early morning, the Film4 channel
Black Bag
This period's second offering by the same director presents a intelligence thriller as sharp like the turtlenecks used by Michael Fassbender's British agent. He receives a mission with uncovering a double agent among the team from a group of five – among them is Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett. Both actors are experts of understated style, so a delicious psychological game of truth or lie takes place. Additional actors join in the clever spy entertainment. October 17th, various showings, Sky Cinema Premiere
